This Buddha statue carved on stone was first conceptualised by the founder of the Wanawasi Sect, Ven. Wathuruwila Sri Gnanananda Thera.

Following his demise in 1986, the onus of making this a reality devolved on the Viharadhipathi of the Wanawasa Sangha Centre, Ven. Mahakande Ratanapala Anunayake Thera of the Wanawasi Maha Nikaya.

The 42 foot Buddha statue in Abhaya Mudra, was completed by a team of veteran sculptors led by Wimal Wickramasinghe of Minuwangoda.

The ceremonial unveiling of the Buddha statue will take place on May 19 at 2.30 p.m. A special operations committee to handle the arrangements under the chairmanship of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media Minister Gayantha Karunatilleke was appointed at a meeting held at the viharaya on January 25.

Parliamentarian Wijepala Hettiarachchi was appointed Vice Chairman of the committee and the Government Agent of Galle was appointed Secretary while the Galle Assistant Government Agent and Elpitiya Divisional Secretary were appointed Joint Assistant Secretaries.